Ford brings an all-new compact Transit Connect commercial van to market, ideally suited to small business owners and fleets placing high value on fuel efficiency

Transit Connect Van is expected to deliver at least 5 mpg better fuel economy on the highway than Ram C/V Cargo Van while carrying more payload than a full-size Ram 1500 pickup truck

Anticipating up to 30+ mpg on the highway with EcoBoost® power, Transit Connect Van offers customers their choice of two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, two wheelbase lengths, two model series and an available CNG/LPG prep package

Transit Connect Van takes versatility to a new level with convenient sliding side doors, side-hinged rear cargo doors, a choice of side and rear window configurations, and an estimated 1,600-pound payload

With global commercial vehicle sales expected to jump significantly during the next several years, Ford’s all-new 2014 Transit Connect cargo van is set to provide cost-conscious commercial fleets and small business owners with unmatched fuel economy and versatility in an expanding commercial vehicle market.

Redesigned from the ground up, Ford Transit Connect cargo van drives and parks like a car, hauls more payload than a full-size Ram 1500 pickup, and delivers fuel efficiency unmatched by any other commercial vehicle in North America today – 30+ mpg on the highway.

“We have completely reengineered Transit Connect with North American business owners top of mind,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of The Americas. “This all-new cargo hauler offers entrepreneurs and fleet owners a unique combination of leading fuel efficiency, cargo capacity and maneuverability.”

Detroit. There are product launches in this business and then there are new product introductions that qualify as defining moments for a car company. Although we’ve long since past the point where fall new car introductions were the talk of small towns across America (and it’s a shame that era has passed), there’s no question that the introduction of the new Ford Fusion definitely qualifies as one of those defining moments.

The new Fusion is the culmination of everything that has gone into transforming Ford under the gifted leadership of Alan Mulally, and it’s exactly what Bill Ford Jr. had in mind when he began courting the Boeing leader to come to Dearborn and jump-start his family’s car company.

Despite everything you’ve read of late about Ford’s internal hand-wringing over Alan Mulally’s successor – Mark Fields – I can assure you that the company’s focus has never wavered from the job at hand, which, as Mulally has repeatedly defined it, means designing, engineering and building the best vehicles they can possibly muster. Cars and trucks that are both efficient and fun to drive.

The FINANCIAL — LinkFord and MOG announced Ford drivers can now enjoy MOG’s award-winning, on-demand music service at their request using SYNC AppLink and the power of their voice

SYNC AppLink gives music lovers access to MOG’s vast catalog of more than 15 million songs in the car. Ford drivers simply need to launch the MOG app on their

USB-connected iPhone and MOG will immediately become an available option. Once selected, the listener’s MOG play queue will instantly begin playing so users can pick up listening wherever they left off.

According to Ford Motor Company, MOG can be controlled with voice commands and in-dash controls, allowing drivers to easily personalize their listening experience in a range of 2012 model Ford Motor Company vehicles. Ford drivers will have immediate access to their fav

orite songs and downloads via the AppLink interface along with access to custom radio channels that can be easily “tuned” by using the traditional tune knob on the in-dash interface.

The latest edition of Ford’s turnkey racecar goes into production next June.

Prices for the 2013 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang start at $86,000 for the normally aspirated version and $93,000 for the supercharged model.

Production of the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang is limited to 50 units.

DEARBORN, Michigan — The 2013 Ford Cobra Jet Mustang, the latest evolution of the automaker’sturnkey racecar, will go into production next June, with total volume limited to 50 units. Prices start at $86,000 for the normally aspirated version and $93,000 for the supercharged model.

Introduced at the recent Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando, the 2013 Cobra Jet Mustang features a number of improvements.

Designed for NHRA Stock and Super Stock competition, the latest edition gets improvements to the suspension, steering and brakes, as well as a new roll cage design.

Ringing in 2012 has come early for the North American steel industry and the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), as editors at High Gear Media’s The Car Connection have named the 2012 Ford Focus the “Best Car to Buy 2012” — due in part to the extensive use of higher-strength steels used on the vehicle.

According to Ford Motor Co., the 2012 Focus combines expressive design and an exceptional array of smart technologies, including high-strength steel, with high levels of craftsmanship and occupant safety, while delivering up to 40 mpg on the highway.

The Focus body shell consists of 55 percent high-strength steels, with ultra high-strength and boron steels making up more than 31 percent of the skeletal structure. These advanced steel technologies help the Focus meet crash regulations across world markets, while reducing the vehicle’s weight and contributing to improved fuel economy.

“Ford’s use of ultra high-strength steel in the 2012 Focus have resulted in a vehicle that not only is affordable and safe, but also fuel efficient and environmentally responsible,” Ron Krupitzer, vice president, automotive applications for SMDI, said. “Their decision to incorporate lightweight steel technologies into their designs, demonstrates that steel continues to be the material of choice for automakers in terms of meeting aggressive safety and stringent fuel economy and emissions requirements — a clear best buy for consumers.”

In addition, the Focus’ vehicle structure achieves its excellent crash protection in part through a newly designed ultra high-strength steel B-pillar reinforcement produced using an innovative tailor rolling process. The process allows the thickness of the steel sheet to be varied along its length, so the component has increased strength in the areas that are subjected to the greatest loads.

The Car Connection is part of High Gear Media, a vertical media company publishing engaging, premium automotive content on some of the Web’s fastest growing car websites, targeting key buyer and vehicle segments. Each year, The Car Connection team rates reviewed vehicles based on styling, performance, utility, safety and features to select its annual “Best Car to Buy.”

The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute, grows and maintains the use of steel through strategies that promote cost-effective solutions in the automotive, construction and container markets, as well as for new growth opportunities in emerging steel markets. For more news or information, visit www.autosteel.org.

Ford sells six of the top 10 commercial vehicles in the U.S., according to Polk U.S. registration data

By 2012, half of Ford vehicles will be capable of running on alternative fuels, including Ford commercial trucks, which will be available with flex fuel (E85), biodiesel, compressed natural gas, liquid propane gas, hybrid and battery electric powertrains direct from Ford or from certified partners

All-new Ford Transit full-size van to be built in the U.S. by 2013 will live up to Econoline’s Built Ford Tough reputation plus achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy, lowering CO2 emissions and customer operating costs

2012 Ford (F) F-650 with new 6.8-liter V10 gas engine option and fuel-efficient six-speed transmission promises to save municipal customers with tight budgets an average of $8,300 per vehicle compared to the F-650 diesel model

Ford Motor Company, the best-selling commercial vehicle manufacturer in the U.S., will grow its product lineup in 2012 with a new medium-duty truck, two all-new Police Interceptors and a next-generation limousine to meet the rapidly changing needs of its commercial customers.

Ford’s commercial vehicle lineup is the most diverse and capable yet for 2012.

“Though they often go unnoticed, commercial vehicles play an important role keeping the nation’s economy moving and protecting people’s lives,” said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations.

Ford has unveiled a special lightweight concept at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Florida called the Ford Mustang Boss 302SX. The concept exudes a track-focused attitude, with various performance revisions over the standard Boss 302.

It’s just a concept at this stage, but the 302SX has already kicked up quite a stir in the US. It features a new front bumper with a lower front spoiler, as well as an aggressive vented bonnet with a racy, go-fast stripe down the middle.

At the back there’s a new adjustable wing for optimum on-track downforce, and a revised rear bumper incorporating the outlets for a Ford Racing exhaust system. There’s also set of lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in racing tyres.